General Information
How long is a typical concert?
Program length varies, but a typical performance lasts about two hours, usually including an intermission. The ushers ring a bell shortly before the end of intermission to give you enough time to find your seat again.
Our Family Concert is approximately 45 minutes with no intermission.
When should I clap during the concert?
These days, audiences generally applaud at the beginning (to greet the performers) and then after the final movement of a piece. (A piece of orchestral music is often broken up into several “movements,” and applause is held until the very end. If you are interested, you can see how many movements a piece has in the program book.)
Holding applause between movements is considered respectful of the performers’ concentration and mindful of musical continuity.
When in doubt, follow the audience’s lead!
What if I am late to a concert?
For the comfort and enjoyment of our musicians and patrons, late seating is at the discretion of the House Manager and takes place during pauses in the program. The ushers will let you know when you may enter the hall.
Are children welcome at Colorado Music Festival concerts?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome at the Colorado Music Festival!
Each season includes a number of family-friendly concerts, including one family-specific concert that is perfect for young children. See a list of these concerts at coloradomusicfestival.org/festival/family-friendly/.
For our orchestral and chamber music concerts, we recommend bringing children who are able to sit quietly through an entire performance (almost all include an intermission). Seats in the CL section of Chautauqua Auditorium tend to work best for families.
What are your Covid protocols?
We understand that health and safety are important factors for our patrons planning to visit the Colorado Music Festival for in-person concerts in the 2022 season (June 30-August 7). You can find up-to-date Covid information on our website: https://coloradomusicfestival.org/covid-plan-2022/
How can I sign up to be on your mail or email list?
You can sign up for our email newsletter and/or add your name to our postal mailing list here: coloradomusicfestival.org/#signup
Where can I find audition information?
Auditions happen as we need to fill positions. You will find all of our orchestra positions posted to Musical Chairs: https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs
What is the relationship between Colorado Musical Festival and Colorado Chautauqua?
Colorado Music Festival and Colorado Chautauqua Association are two distinct organizations, though we have a partnership that began when the Festival was created in the 1970s.
Chautauqua Auditorium has been the home of the Colorado Music Festival for more than 40 years. The Chautauqua box office sells all Colorado Music Festival tickets.
Visit the Chautauqua website for information on their programs: www.chautauqua.com
Why don’t you list all of the Chautauqua concerts on your website?
Colorado Music Festival and Colorado Chautauqua Association are two distinct organizations, though we have a partnership that began when the Festival was created in the 1970s. Visit the Chautauqua website for information on their programs: www.chautauqua.com
How do I become a concert usher?
Thank you for your interest in our volunteer usher program. Ushers play an important role in greeting concertgoers. They also help to scan tickets, escort guests to their seats, and answer any questions they might have about the event.
The number of concerts worked and schedule is determined by Festival administration.
At this time, we do not have any usher positions available. You are encouraged to fill out our volunteer form; should usher positions become available, we will contact you by the end of May with more details and further instructions. (If you served as an usher for the prior season, you can expect to receive an email by the end of April.)
Festival Details
Find more information on our concert calendar page.
What are the dates of the Festival?
The Colorado Music Festival is presented each summer at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado. For more details about concerts, visit coloradomusicfestival.org/calendar.
Where can I find a printable concert calendar?
Each season we create an at-a-glance calendar that you can print at home, which you can find in a number of places on our website once we have announced our season. Here is a link to the current calendar: www.coloradomusicfestival.org/print-at-home-calendar
Where can I find your concert schedule?
The 2023 Colorado Music Festival will be June 26–August 6, 2023, at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado. Once our season is announced, you can find details at coloradomusicfestival.org/calendar.
What is your virtual (online) performance schedule?
While we were incredibly happy to offer these online opportunities in past seasons, we will no longer be offering virtual concerts, as our focus returns to delivering live music experiences and our virtual concerts demand many additional resources. We hope you will plan a trip to Boulder to see the Festival in person.
Accessibility
Is Chautauqua Auditorium accessible for people with disabilities?
Chautauqua Auditorium is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Chautauqua maintains a useful list addressing accessible parking, service animals, ADA restroom facilities, assistive listening devices, and more. Please visit the Chautauqua website for more information.
Does the Colorado Music Festival offer wheelchair-accessible seating?
Yes! Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on the south side of the hall adjacent to section AL as well as at the back of section A. To purchase, look online for the wheelchair symbol or call the Chautauqua Box Office at 303-440-7666.
Is there accessible (ADA) transportation to Chautauqua Auditorium?
Yes, there is an ADA shuttle for every one of our concerts that picks up from New Vista High School and offers a wheelchair lift. You can find more information about the shuttle here.
Patrons can also schedule an accessible door-to-door ride through Via Colorado by calling 303-444-3043 or visiting ViaColorado.org.
Do you have ADA-accessible parking? How early should I arrive to secure it?
A limited amount of ADA-accessible parking is available in the parking lot south of Academic Hall, roughly 100 feet from the south entrance of the Auditorium. For easy access to this lot, enter Chautauqua Park via 12th Street.
There are also four ADA spots available at New Vista High School: two in the upper lot and two in the lower lot.
If you are seeking ADA-accessible parking, we recommend arriving 60-90 minutes ahead of concert time on Thursdays, opening night, and the Festival finale. For other evenings (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday), arriving between 30 and 45 minutes ahead of concert time is recommended.
Where is the best restroom for people who require assistance with wheelchairs?
Due to Chautauqua’s historic nature, there are no family-style restrooms available. However, each of the bathroom locations does offer one ADA-compliant restroom stall.
Families
Which concerts are friendly for families with young children?
The Family Concert is specifically for young children, ages 5 and under. This concert features a shorter run time (around 45 minutes) with no intermission.
What should I do if I need to leave in the middle of a concert?
Seating is general admission, so feel free to choose a seat closer to a door if you know you will need to leave throughout the concert. You are welcome to stand, move around, and exit our Family Concert at any time. The north and south Auditorium doors will be available for use during our Family Concert. (For standard evening concerts, please follow usher guidance regarding how to exit.)
Is the venue accessible for strollers?
Chautauqua Auditorium is located on a hill, making it worth planning ahead for access by wheelchairs and strollers. Please review our venue map for the most accessible entrance to the Auditorium (the north and south Auditorium doors will be available for use during our Family Concert). Once there, strollers may be parked outside the entrance or along the back wall inside Chautauqua Auditorium. Seating for the Family Concert is general admission.
Does my child need a separate ticket?
Tickets are required for children occupying their own seat; children under 2 (lap-sitting) may attend without an additional ticket.
Can we bring our stroller and/or diaper bag into the venue?
Strollers may be parked outside the entrance or along the back wall inside Chautauqua Auditorium. Diaper bags may be searched by security for prohibited items (food or drinks other than water); diaper bags, including bottles, are permitted within the Auditorium.
Where can I find restroom facilities?
There are no restrooms in the Auditorium. Primary restrooms are located directly adjacent to the Auditorium on the west side of the building. Additional restrooms are available approximately 100 yards north of the Auditorium just outside the entrance to the Dining Hall. See our venue map >
Getting Here
Find more information on our venue information page.
Where are your concerts held?
All of our concerts are held at Boulder’s historic Chautauqua Auditorium. You can find information about getting to Chautauqua Auditorium, parking, accessibility, and dining options here: https://coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/know-before-you-go/.
How do I get to Chautauqua Auditorium?
You can find information about getting to the Colorado Music Festival, which is held at Chautauqua Auditorium, as well as parking options here: https://coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/know-before-you-go/.
Where can I park?
You can find information about getting to the Colorado Music Festival, which is held at Chautauqua Auditorium, as well as parking options here: https://coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/know-before-you-go/.
Where can I stay near the Colorado Music Festival?
Chautauqua Park is surrounded by a historic district—as a result, there aren’t many hotels within walking distance. (Private rentals such as AirBNBs are available, however.) If you are looking for a hotel, there are a number in downtown Boulder, which is conveniently accessible via the free Hop 2 Chautauqua shuttle.
Our recommendations for a downtown Boulder hotel are:
You can find details on the free shuttle on this page: coloradomusicfestival.org/shuttle
You can also reserve lodging at Colorado Chautauqua, though you need to book that early in the year. https://www.chautauqua.com/cottages-and-lodges/
Ticketing and Box Office
Find more information on our ticketing information page.
How can I purchase tickets?
Subscriptions and single tickets go on sale in February and March preceding the Festival.
If you are interested in a subscription package (3 or more concerts), our dedicated subscriber representative can assist you. Leave a message here or email tickets@comusic.org. You can also call 303-665-0599 ext 108.
You can purchase tickets from the Chautauqua Box Office:
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Online: Chautauqua Box Office
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Phone: 303-440-7666
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Email: boxoffice@chautauqua.com
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In-Person: At the Chautauqua Box Office (900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302). Visit chautauqua.com/concerts-events/box-office/ for directions and hours.
How much are tickets?
We offer a wide array of ticket prices, starting at $18; our lowest-priced seats can be found in sections AR, BR, CL, and GA (bench). Ticket prices can change during the season based on demand, so the best way to secure affordable seats is to buy tickets early. You can see the price of individual concerts and individual seats by clicking the BUY TICKETS link on any concert page.
Where can I find a seating map?
You can find a current seating map and other ticketing information at coloradomusicfestival.org/tickets.
Where can I find the best seats?
You will find information on what to wear, ADA accessibility, and more in the Visitor Tips section of our website: coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/our-venue.
Do you offer a senior discount?
There is no senior discount for the Colorado Music Festival. We chose instead to make our lowest-priced tickets available in the front of the house and closer to the music. You can save significantly on ticket prices by purchasing early, choosing a fixed or Design Your Own subscription, or purchasing group tickets.
Do you offer a student discount?
Yes, we offer a 50% discount for students with a current student ID card. To purchase, visit the Chautauqua box office at 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302. Visit chautauqua.com/concerts-events/box-office/ for directions and hours.
What is your ticket refund/exchange policy?
You can find our full ticket policies, terms, and conditions here: coloradomusicfestival.org/ticket-info
Can I exchange my tickets for another seat or another concert?
We do allow exchanges for Colorado Music Festival concerts. You can find our full ticket policies, terms, and conditions here: coloradomusicfestival.org/ticket-info
What if I’ve lost my tickets?
If you have lost or misplaced your tickets to a concert, please contact the Chautauqua Box Office; they will resend your tickets or print and hold them at will call to be picked up prior to the concert.
What do I do if I haven't received my tickets?
Colorado Music Festival tickets and subscriptions are sold through our venue, Chautauqua Auditorium. Before reaching out to the Chautauqua box office, please check your email spam folder to see if you have received an email from boxoffice@chautauqua.com.
If not, you can contact the box office in the following ways:
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Phone: 303-440-7666
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Email: boxoffice@chautauqua.com
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In-Person: At the Chautauqua ticket kiosk located just west of Chautauqua Auditorium.
Visit chautauqua.com/concerts-events/box-office for box office directions and hours.
My organization is having a fundraiser. Will you donate tickets?
The Colorado Music Festival is pleased to consider ticket donation requests from other non-profit organizations for their fundraising events. While we would like to grant all donation requests, we are simply unable to fulfill them all due to the high volume that we receive. To request ticket donation, please use this form to contact our Development department.
At the Festival
Can I take photos or record a video of a concert?
We don’t allow cameras or other recording devices to be used during our concerts unless you are a member of the media and have received prior approval. See our full ticket policies, terms, and conditions here: coloradomusicfestival.org/tickets
What should I wear to the Festival?
You will find information on what to wear, ADA accessibility, and more in the Visitor Tips section of our website: coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/our-venue.
What tips do you have for a first-time visitor?
You will find information on what to wear, ADA accessibility, and more in the Visitor Tips section of our website: coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/our-venue.
Do you offer pre-concert talks?
Our pre-concert talks are now delivered online. Visit coloradomusicfestival.org/behind-the-music to learn about and watch our Behind the Music talks.
Can I come to an open rehearsal?
You can find information about open rehearsals at coloradomusicfestival.org/festival/open-rehearsals/.
Can I sit on the lawn and listen to a concert?
We recognize that many people enjoy overhearing our concerts from the area surrounding Chautauqua Auditorium. We are unable to sell tickets for seating outside of the Auditorium. If you plan to enjoy most of a concert from outside of the venue, we ask you to consider purchasing a ticket or making a donation in order to help compensate the staff and musicians working so hard to create these fantastic musical experiences.
What dining options are available at the Festival?
You can find all of our pre-concert dining options at coloradomusicfestival.org/plan-your-visit/know-before-you-go.
What food and drinks are allowed in the venue?
Water in clear, plastic bottles is permitted inside Chautauqua Auditorium. Other food and beverages are not permitted. Learn more at www.chautauqua.com/2021/auditorium-faqs/.
Is Chautauqua Auditorium air-conditioned?
Chautauqua Auditorium is a wooden building constructed in 1898. We are so pleased that our charming and acoustically-unique venue was placed on the National Register of Historic Places; however, that designation limits the type of updates that can be made.
As such, Chautauqua Auditorium is not air-conditioned. The temperature in the auditorium is managed with fans, swamp coolers (used before concerts and during intermission due to sound), and large sliding windows. Since we open and close these windows to manage the temperature, we can’t always get it perfect. We suggest bringing a jacket or sweater for evening performances, as the temperature can vary.
Where can I find restroom facilities?
There are no restrooms in the Auditorium. Primary restrooms are located directly adjacent to the Auditorium on the west side of the building. Additional restrooms are available approximately 100 yards north of the Auditorium just outside the entrance to the Dining Hall. See our venue map >
Subscriptions
Find more information on our subscriptions page.
I have subscribed in the past. How do I know if my seats are reserved for me?
If you are a fixed-package subscriber (you have any package where the concerts are pre-chosen, such as a Grand, Thursday, Music of Today, or Sunday subscription), you will receive a renewal for that specific seat and subscription package. Your fixed seat remains yours until you do not renew your subscription.
If you have let your subscription lapse, your seats are no longer held for you. However, we will be happy to help you find a new seat when you are ready to begin your fixed-package subscription again.
If you are a flexible package subscriber (you have a Design-Your-Own Subscription of 3+ concerts), your seats are not reserved for you. These flexible packages allow you to choose only the concerts and seats that suit you, but that flexibility means that we cannot hold a single seat for you in the auditorium. If you wish to maintain a single seat for all of your concerts, we invite you to upgrade to a fixed-package subscription.
Pre-sales for all fixed-package subscriptions begin on the evening of our season announcement, so watch for an invitation to that event. We also send email and postal mail notifications during our subscription pre-sales period.
How can I add additional tickets to my subscription?
To add tickets to your subscription, choose one of these options:
- Schedule a call with Abbey, our Festival subscription representative, in order to have the greatest access to seats. Schedule an appointment today at coloradomusicfestival.org/appointment.
- Phone: Call the Chautauqua Box office at 303-440-7666
- In-Person: Visit the Chautauqua Box Office (900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302). Visit chautauqua.com/concerts-events/box-office/ for directions and hours.
What is the difference between a fixed-package and a Design-Your-Own subscription?
A fixed-package subscription is one where the concerts are pre-chosen, such as a Grand, Thursday, Music of Today, or Sunday subscription. Current fixed-package subscribers will receive a renewal for their specific seat(s) and subscription package for the next season. Your fixed seat remains yours until you do not renew your subscription.
A Design-Your-Own subscription is a flexible package that allows you to choose only the concerts and seats that suit you, for 3 or more concerts. That flexibility means that we cannot hold a single seat for you for the next season. If you wish to maintain a single seat for all of your concerts, we invite you to purchase a fixed-package subscription.
When can I renew my subscription?
The season announcement party is always subscribers' first opportunity to renew their subscriptions. Any subscriber who does not attend the in-person season announcement party will receive their renewal information by mail very shortly after.
Any subscriber, at any time, can schedule a call with Abbey, the Festival subscription representative, in order to confirm, discuss, or change the details of their subscription. Schedule an appointment today at coloradomusicfestival.org/appointment.
How do I renew my subscription?
ONLINE
If you are a new subscriber, visit coloradomusicfestival.org/subscribe, select the subscription type, then follow the online prompts.
If you are a returning subscriber, visit coloradomusicfestival.org/renew, log into your account, add the assigned subscription seats to your cart, then complete the purchase.
MAIL
If you are a returning subscriber and you received a renewal form in the mail, follow the instructions on the form to renew your subscription. If you are a returning subscriber and didn't receive a renewal form, please contact us using the options below.
EMAIL, PHONE, OR VIDEO
Speak with our Festival subscription representative via email at tickets@comusic.org, or by calling 303-665-0599 x108. To schedule a phone or video appointment, visit coloradomusicfestival.org/appointment.
Who can I talk to about my subscription?
Any subscriber, at any time, can schedule a call with Abbey, the Festival subscription representative, in order to confirm, discuss, or change the details of their subscription. Schedule an appointment today at coloradomusicfestival.org/appointment.
How will I receive my tickets?
Subscribers can receive their tickets by email, mail (for an additional fee), or by picking them up at the Chautauqua Box Office.